title: Critical decision points in designing outcomes evaluation plans.
abstract: Designing an outcomes evaluation plan is a complex, multifaceted process. Eight key decision points have been identified and are reviewed in this article. These key decision points include (1) making a decision about the question(s) of interest, (2) selecting an organizing framework, (3) designing the operational plan for the work environment, (4) determining the relevant information to collect, (5) selecting the measures and forms for data collection, (6) determining the sample to be studied, (7) preparing staff for implementation, and (8) conducting a pilot study. Careful decision making at each of these steps enhances the opportunity for successfully designing and implementing an outcomes evaluation plan.
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN 37240, USA.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Dwyer
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care